Although it is very popular and more than 100,000 Americans get one each year, the tummy tuck is a serious surgical operation. It can take the weight off your belly, bring you back to your original waist size, and make you feel better about yourself overall. But, make sure you know the facts about the tummy tuck first!

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The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty is it is technically called, is a major surgical operation that gets rid of excess fat and skin around your abdomen. It is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery or body shaping, and both men and women commonly get the operation.

As we age, one of the first places we start putting on excess weight is around the belly. "Spare tire," "love handles," "beer gut"... you've heard all of these phrases used to describe your older relatives, but now suddenly they're being used on you! Because extra tummy is one of the most common signs of aging, tummy tuck is one of the most popular operations!

How The Tummy Tuck Works

Your surgeon will make a V-shaped incision from one hip bone to the other. Then, a second incision will be made vertically. They will tighten your abdominal muscles and remove excess skin from the area. By stretching the muscles and skin in the abdominal area, your waistline will shrink, and the excess protrusion of the belly will disappear.

Although some patients spend a night or two in the hospital, most are out the same day. Your doctor may prescribe a light exercise schedule to help you get your muscles back into shape.

Some Things To Keep In Mind About The Tummy Tuck

• It is a major operation, which means you will be given anesthesia and be cut open. Abdominoplasty leaves a scar. For the 6 to 9 months after the operation, the scars will be quite noticeable. After that, the skin will heal over the scar. The scar will fade with time, but it will always be slightly visible.

• The operation takes 2 to 5 hours. After the operation, you will need a few weeks to recover. Most people do not return to work until up to 3 weeks after the operation.

• A tummy tuck is not recommended for obese people. It is best for those who are healthy overall but have an embarrassing protrusion of fat around their belly.

• Remember that, like any other major surgery, there are risks involved. Risks are rare, but there are cases of improper healing or blood clots. Talk to your doctor and have them assess the risks for you.

Before And After

After your tummy tuck, you will find that your abdomen is both flatter and firmer. It will be much easier to keep your abs in good shape, and you won't see any more of that saggy roll of fat hanging around your mid-section!

Although most people get a tummy tuck so they'll feel better about their bodies, many also find that they are more comfortable in their clothes after the operation. After the tummy tuck, you will find that you're back to your regular size.

You will also have scars, but they will heal. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect. In many cases, the scars become more unnoticeable as time goes on after the operation. About 6 months after the operation, they become fainter and start to fade.

A tummy tuck can be a real life-changer. Just make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you go. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect, and remember that the tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure.